Eraser (software)

{{short description|Software that wipes files for Microsoft Windows}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}

{{Infobox software

| name = Eraser

| logo =

| screenshot =

| caption =

| released = {{Start date and age|2003|09|04|df=yes}}

| latest release version = 6.2.0.2996

| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2025|04|04|df=yes}}

| programming language = C#, C++

| operating system = Microsoft Windows

| size =

| genre = Secure file erasure

| license = GNU General Public License

| website = https://eraser.heidi.ie

}}

Eraser is an open-source{{cite book | last=Hassan | first=Nihad | title=Digital Privacy and Security Using Windows: A Practical Guide | publisher=Apress | publication-place=New York, NY | year=2017 | isbn=978-1-4842-2799-2 | oclc=992988887 | page=99}} secure file erasure tool available for the Windows operating system.{{cite book | last=Pash | first=Adam | title=Lifehacker: The Guide to Working Smarter, Faster, and Better | publisher=Wiley Pub | publication-place=Indianapolis, Ind | year=2011 | isbn=978-1-118-13343-9 | oclc=762078309 }}{{cite web | last=Schofield | first=Jack | title=My laptop no longer works. How can I erase my personal data? | website=The Guardian| date=30 November 2017 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2017/nov/30/laptop-no-longer-works-erase-personal-data-hard-drive-faulty-motherboard | access-date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web | last=Doss | first=Surit | title=Wipe your hard drive clean | website=Telegraph India | date=13 November 2017 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/science-tech/wipe-your-hard-drive-clean-nbsp/cid/1448582 | access-date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web | title=How to permanently delete files | website=BT.com | url=http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/windows-10/permanently-delete-files-windows-11363960178474 | access-date=11 December 2018}} It supports both file and volume wiping.{{cite book | last=Johansen | first=Gerard | title=Digital Forensics and Incident Response | publisher=Packt Publishing | publication-place=Birmingham, UK | year=2017 | isbn=978-1-78728-868-3 | oclc=1000390982 | page=103}}

Eraser securely erases data by overwriting it such that the data is irrecoverable. It supports a variety of data destruction standards, including British HMG IS5 (Infosec Standard 5), American DoD 5220.22-M, and the Gutmann method which features a 35-pass overwrite.{{cite web | title=Appendix A: Erasure Methods – Eraser | website=Eraser – Secure Erase Files from Hard Drives | url=https://eraser.heidi.ie/appendix-a-erasure-methods/ | access-date=11 December 2018}}

The tool has been recommended in TechAdvisor,{{cite web | last=Martin | first=Jim | title=Here's how to ensure no-one can get back sensitive files you've deleted | website=Tech Advisor | date=13 April 2018 | url=https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-securely-delete-files-in-windows-10-3675546/ | access-date=11 December 2018}} The Guardian, and PC World,{{cite web | last=Zukerman | first=Erez | title=Review: Eraser removes files safely and permanently | website=PCWorld | date=8 January 2013 | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2024250/review-eraser-removes-files-safely-and-permanently.html | access-date=11 December 2018}} and is a tool suggested by the United States government Computer Emergency Readiness Team.{{cite web |url=https://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/DisposeDevicesSafely.pdf |title=Disposing of Devices Safely|publisher=United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team |format=PDF |access-date=11 December 2018}}